Plantsbrook School Young Driver scheme: Students who have proven they have the drive to succeed got behind the wheel of a car as part of a special rewards day.
Forty Year 11 students from the school, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust, were chosen to take part in the sessions run by specialist driving firm Young Driver.
The company provides safe and controlled starter driving lessons for 14 to 17-years-olds.
The Plantsbrook students had all impressed with their attendance, attitude, and revision efforts, and on Monday, December 18th had their first taste of driving a real car on the school grounds.
Each 15-minute session saw students take the wheel of a dual controlled Vauxhall Corsa, accompanied by a qualified driving instructor.
Plantsbrook School Young Driver day helps students
Young Driver aims to empower students with a better understanding of road safety and responsible driving practices.
The sessions also aim to increase levels of self-confidence, help students overcome their fears, give them an increased knowledge of risk awareness and improve their decision making.
Year 11 student Elliot Kent said: “That was the first time I’ve driven a car, and it was a really good experience – it was great fun. I’d love to do it again.”
Plantsbrook’s Careers Advisor, Sarah Dullea, who organised the event, said: “The students were very excited to be taking part in the driving sessions, which were a genuine reward for their efforts at school.
“In fact, lots of them enjoyed it so much they were talking about booking more sessions.
“It’s so important to reward students who work hard and show the right kind of attitude, and this was an unusual way of doing that.
“It was also an opportunity for them to start learning a valuable life skill in the safe and positive environment of the school, using Young Driver’s dual-control cars and specially trained instructors.”